Missouri Right to Life Press Release

For Immediate Release
May 7, 2013

Missouri Senate Passes Ban on Web-cam Abortions;MRL Calls on House to Finally Pass and Send HB 400 to the Governor

Missouri Right to Life applauds those in the Missouri legislature who voted for HB 400. The original bill passed the House with a bipartisan veto-proof majority of 115 to 39. The amended bill passed the Senate with a veto-proof majority of 23 to 7. Amendments to the bill require that the House vote to confirm the Senate amendments. The bill will then move to the Governor's desk.

"This legislation bans web-cam abortions in Missouri and ensures that women will meet with a doctor in person at the time she begins the RU 486 abortion. This legislation protects women from those in the abortion industry who seek to profit from RU 486 abortions by providing sub-standard care to women," said Pam Fichter, president of Missouri Right to Life.

"RU 486, the two-drug regimen, can cause severe bleeding and cramping. It can fail to abort the baby and can cause birth defects. Often these women deliver a dead baby by themselves. The drug can cause toxic shock and death. The FDA requires the notice of the possibility of death on the label of Mifeprex, the first pill taken," stated Fichter.

"When web-cam abortions began in Iowa, the number of abortion clinics increased from 5 to 17, continued Fichter. We do not want this happening in Missouri. We urge the House to finally pass HB 400. We call upon Governor Nixon to sign this life-saving legislation."

We thank the sponsors of this bill, Representative Jeanie Riddle and Senator Wayne Wallingford, the House and Senate leadership and all those that voted for this important legislation.